What Would I Do?

Every organization wants to attract the most qualified employees and match them to jobs for which they are best suited. However, many enterprises are too large to permit close contact between top management and employees. Consequently, they employ Human Resources Specialists (HR Specialists), who recruit, interview, and hire new staff in accordance with policies established by top management. HR Specialists serve as the vital link between an organization's decision-makers and its labor force.

Because of this link, HR Specialists prepare and maintain employment records related to events such as hirings, terminations, leaves, transfers, or promotions. They are the main points of contact for employee questions concerning these events and other employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other concerns. As such, the HR Specialists must maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In an effort to enhance morale and productivity, limit job turnover, and help organizations increase performance and improve business results, HR Specialists also help their firms effectively use employee skills, provide training and development opportunities to improve those skills, and increase employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions. They also maintain organizational charts, employee handbooks, and performance evaluation forms.

Today’s HR Specialists manage these tasks, but, increasingly, they also consult with top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from behind-the-scenes staff work to leading the company in suggesting and changing policies.

Tools and Technology
HR Specialists use a variety of tools and technology in their work. They use computers, tablets, smart phones, and calculators. They also use software such as information retrieval or search and spreadsheet applications.

Important Tasks and Related Skills

Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.

Working Conditions

Human Resources Specialists typically work in clean, well-lit office settings. However, they may travel occasionally, perhaps to campuses to recruit soon-to-be college graduates or run a job fair booth.

HR Specialists may spend a good amount of time on the computer, so eyestrain and neck pain are common risks. With proper eye safety and ergonomics, these risks are often minimized.

Many Specialists work a standard 40-hour week. However, longer hours might be necessary for some workers when contract agreements are being prepared and negotiated.

The Human Resources Specialist occupation is generally not unionized. However, these Specialists may belong to their local Office and Professional Employees International Union of the AFL-CIO.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The occupation of Human Resources Specialist typically involves working with, communicating with, and teaching people. Those interested in becoming Specialists ought to be comfortable in both making many decisions and following set procedures and routines.

Employers usually seek applicants with good organizational skills as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. They should also be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. Human Resources Specialists ought to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and flexible.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

Wages

The median wage in 2017 for Human Resources Specialists in California was $69,450 annually, or $33.39 hourly. The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in San Diego County was $66,470 annually, or $31.96 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Benefits

Benefits for Human Resources Specialists often include vacation, sick leave, health and life insurance, profit sharing, and a pension plan. Some may receive reimbursement for continuing education courses.

What is the Job Outlook?

As the economy recovers from the recent economic downturn, the HR Specialist occupation should continue to grow as more and more companies and institutions hope to expand their labor forces. Legislation and court rulings setting standards in various areas—occupational safety and health, equal employment opportunity, wages, health care, pensions, and family leave, among others—may also increase demand for these Specialists.

Projections of Employment

In California, the number of Human Resources Specialists is expected to grow at an average rate compared with the total for all occupations. Jobs for Human Resources Specialists are expected to increase by 14.2 percent, or 7,700 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

In San Diego County, the number of Human Resources Specialists is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Human Resources Specialists are expected to increase by 17.8 percent, or 880 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

Annual Job Openings

In California, an average of 770 new job openings per year is expected for Human Resources Specialists, plus an additional 1,330 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 2,090 job openings.

In San Diego County, an average of 88 new job openings per year is expected for Human Resources Specialists, plus an additional 120 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 208 job openings.

How Do I Qualify?

Education, Training, and Other Requirements

Most employers typically require that their HR Specialists have a bachelor's degree in human resources, human resources administration, industrial and labor relations, or business. However, some may accept a high school diploma and related work experience. Most prospective HR Specialists should take courses in compensation, recruitment, training and development, and performance appraisal, as well as courses in principles of management, organizational structure, collective bargaining, and industrial psychology.

Experience

Prospective HR Specialists may benefit from previous experience in the field, which remains a asset coveted by employers. Many employers prefer entry-level workers who have gained some experience through an internship or work-study program while in school. This field also demands other skills that people may develop elsewhere—using computers, selling, teaching, supervising, and volunteering, among others.

Early Career Planning

High school students interested in becoming HR Specialists should take classes in English, computer science, accounting, psychology, and business. Training programs in areas pertaining to Human Resources Specialists are also available through Regional Occupational Programs (ROP). To find an ROP program near you, go to the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs Web site at www.carocp.org/carocps.html.

Continuing Education

HR Specialists need to stay current on the ever-changing labor laws. Moreover, these Specialists, as noted above, find themselves more and more in decision-making positions, so additional education in business and operational strategy as well as finance would be beneficial.

Certification

Several professional associations offer certificates related to the HR Specialist occupation, such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and the California Certification in Human Resources (CCHR), both offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. The CCHR is designed for those HR Specialists who plan to work in the state and are unfamiliar with California's labor and human resource laws. In general, certification can help demonstrate a level of competence that may enhance job prospects. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.

Where Can I Find Training?

There are two ways to search for training information:

Search by Field of Study to find what programs are available and what schools offer those programs. You may use keywords such as: Human Resources and Personnel.

Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.

Where Would I Work?

Virtually every industry employs Human Resources Specialists to one extent or another. Administrative and support services; professional, scientific, and technical services; health care and social assistance; finance and insurance firms; and government comprise the industries that employ the most Human Resources Specialists.

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Jobs can also be found through newspaper classified advertisements, online job opening systems, social media sites, college career centers, and professional organizations. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

Yellow Page Headings

You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Human Resources Specialists.

Employment Agencies

Employment Consultants

Employment Contractors

Government Offices

Human Resource Consultants

Payroll Services

Find Possible Employers

To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers" on the Labor Market Information Web site:

Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation. This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.

Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of business, Web site, etc.

Contact the employer for possible employment.

Where Could This Job Lead?

Human Resources Specialists may be promoted to director of human resources or industrial relations, which can eventually lead to a top managerial or executive position. Others may join a consulting or outsourcing firm or open their own business. A Ph.D. is an asset for teaching, writing, or consulting work.

Related Occupations

Below is a list of occupations related to Human Resources Specialists with links to more information.

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